My grandmother's secret for fast carrot sprouting

Carrot

Carrots, both raw and cooked, are extremely nutritious. This explains why gardeners are so interested in planting this root vegetable. To ensure the seeds germinate, they need to be prepared for planting. After all, good seedlings and fertile soil guarantee a bountiful harvest.

Why is preliminary preparation necessary?

Carrot seeds are known for their poor germination. Over hundreds of years, farmers have learned to combat this problem, which is influenced by:

seed quality: empty, diseased, weak grains;
the presence of essential oils of the plant, which limits the access of moisture;
hard shell of the grain;
weather conditions, temperature changes;
diseases, pests.

Important!

Seeds purchased from individuals and collected by hand are subject to mandatory preparation before sowing in open ground.

Pre-planting helps ensure uniform germination, makes root crops resistant to low temperatures and diseases, and eliminates the need for replanting. Carrots grow strong, healthy, and have good marketable quality.

How to prepare planting material

You need to calibrate the seeds, choose the largest ones, at least 0.7 mm.

Treat the calibrated seeds for diseases and pests. A common remedy is potassium permanganate. Make a weak solution and soak the pre-soaked seeds for 10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly and dry until they are free-flowing. Avoid over-soaking, as this could kill the seeds.

Boric acid is a good disinfectant. Dissolve 1 g of the solution in 5 liters of water and soak for 24 hours.

Attention!

3% hydrogen peroxide is often used. Leave it for 10 hours, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

Effective germination can be ensured by burying the seeds before planting. To do this:

In early spring, as soon as the snow begins to melt, place carrot seeds in any fabric bag (canvas or linen work well).
Dig a hole the length of a shovel (about 30 cm deep into the ground).
Place the prepared seeds and bury.
Be sure to sprinkle a mound of snow on top. This will prevent the carrots from freezing and will ensure they receive sufficient moisture.
Mark the location so it's easy to find later. If you have several varieties of carrots, it's best to bury them separately. And mark each one accordingly.
After 10-12 days, you need to dig up the bags.

Now the seeds have hardened, sprouted and are completely ready for sowing in open ground.

Popular folk methods

Soaking seeds in vodka is becoming increasingly popular among gardeners. This method dissolves the essential oils found in carrots in alcohol, ensuring germination within one week.

Dissolve essential oils using hot (50°C) water. Soak the seeds for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then rinse thoroughly with water and dry.

Kerosene will help get rid of weeds that sprout before carrots and inhibit germination. The seeds are placed on a pre-moistened cloth and rubbed. Dry the seeds before planting.

What to look for when planting in open ground

It's important to choose the right planting location. Avoid planting in the same place as parsnips, caraway, and dill. It's a good idea to plant tomatoes, onions, potatoes, or lettuce in the same place.

Two weeks before planting, prepare the soil. Dig, break up clumps, remove debris, and fertilize. Fertilizing will provide all the necessary nutrients for rapid and proper fruit development.